0.1. About the DHRG
Objectives, Organization, Funding, Membership
Purposes Beyond Bibliography
As indicated on the opening page, the foremost purpose of the Group
is making this website an “increasingly comprehensive bibliography of
Davis history.” In addition, it seeks, when possible, to conduct
research, to assist other relevant researchers, to respond to public
inquiries, to publish items on Davis history, and to organize Davis
history lectures, seminars, and conferences.
A History Archive and Research Organization
The Group views itself as a history archive and as a history
research organization. Other history archive organizations include the
Yolo County Archives, the UCD Shields Library Department of Special
Collections, and The California State Archives. Other history research
organizations include the California Historical Society, the Western
History Association, and the Agricultural History Society.
A Research, Not Political or Heritage, Organization
It does not take positions on political questions outside its immediate research mission. However, it regards Davis history as a public good and encourages widespread knowledge of it and its use by individuals, groups, and communities.
Even though it does not advocate or act on political matters such as
historic preservation and heritage celebration, it respects the roles
and missions of history organizations so engaged. The Group's single
goal of advancing research on Davis history sets it off from these
associations and, at the same time, complements them.
Organization and Funding
The Group is a voluntary association whose administration and projects are funded by member and friend contributions. The intentionally small size of the Group facilitates collegial decision-making.
Membership and Projects
DHRG members welcome new members who are actively interested in
advancing research on Davis history. Contact DHRG Coordinator John
Lofland at jflofland@ucdavis.edu.
It is hoped that new members will display their active interests by
contributing to or leading DHRG projects.
At this time, developing bibliographic "chapters" on this web
site is the major DHRG project. While not required, a new member is
strongly encouraged to compile such a chapter.
Additional types of Group projects that might be undertaken include
conducting original research on Davis history, assisting other
researchers, responding to public inquiries, publishing items on Davis
history, and organizing Davis history lectures, seminars and
conferences.
A new (or existing) member can take the lead in any of these types of
projects.